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Imagine putting on a brand-new suit right after playing in the mud, eating fresh food off a dirty floor, or going off-roading right after a car wash. Sounds crazy, right?
So, why would you apply a ceramic coating without first ensuring that the surface is clean and looking its best?
Before you apply any ceramic coating, spray, or sealant, it's crucial to have the finish in perfect condition and properly prepped. This ensures the coating bonds well and lasts a long time. The good news is that it's easier than you might think.
We'll cover a lot of different info in this guide because it's too detailed for just one blog. So, get ready to dive deep into the world of ceramic!
Step 1: Wash Your Car
First things first, give your car a good wash. If you want to see how we do it, check out our blog on How to Use a Foam Cannon to Wash Your Car or, if you prefer a hands-on approach, our step-by-step guide on How to Wash Your Car at Home: Step-By-Step Guide.
Before you apply a ceramic coating, we recommend using a wax-free, gloss-free soap like Clean Slate Wax Stripping Wash. You can use it with either of the washing methods we mentioned. Clean Slate isn't just wax-free; it also strips away any leftover sealants, waxes, or glazes. This step is crucial for prepping your car for a ceramic coating.
Once the surface is entirely residue-free and all other coatings are gone, your ceramic coating will bond properly to your paintwork.
If any residue remains, it will act as a barrier between the ceramic coating and the paint, preventing a strong bond and proper adhesion.
Step 2: Clay Bar Your Car
Once your car is sparkling clean, check for any surface contamination that the washing might have missed. If you don't remove this contamination, it will get trapped under your ceramic coating for years!
If left unchecked, this contamination can wreak havoc on your paint and cause irreversible damage.
To ensure your paint is perfectly clean, check out our blog on how to Clay Bar Your Car Properly to Decontaminate Paint. It will guide you through the step-by-step process.
Step 3: Polish Your Car
Even if your car is brand new, it might still need some polishing and paint correction.
Take a look at our guide on How to Choose the Right Compound or Polish. This guide not only helps you pick the right polish for your needs but also includes a step-by-step section!
Polishing is crucial to correct imperfections and perfect the finish. Once the ceramic coating is applied, it will lock in any scratches and swirls, and you won't be able to remove them without first removing the ceramic coating.
So, make sure to catch any imperfections now, or you'll have to repeat this process from Step 1!
Step 4: Wipe the Car Surface
Once your car's surface is washed, cleaned, and perfected, there's one last step before you start the coating process: a cleansing wipe-down to remove any remaining oils, waxes, or silicones.
We recommend using Wipe Out Surface Cleanser Spray to prep the surface. This spray will get rid of any lingering waxes, sealants, or glazes.
Here's how to do it: work in sections, spray some Wipe Out directly on the surface, and use a clean, lint-free Professional Grade Microfiber Towel to wipe it away.
For the best results, fold your microfiber towel into quarters, so you always have a fresh surface to work with.
Now that your car's surface is perfectly clean and residue-free, you're all set to apply your ceramic coating!
Ceramic Coatings offer the most durable and top-notch protection available in the industry right now. While applying this advanced coating might seem a bit intimidating, it's pretty straightforward if you follow the prep steps we've outlined.
Here's a pro tip: your coating is only as good as the finish of the surface you're about to coat.
Now that you're all prepped check out one of these tutorials to apply your ceramic coating:
- How to Apply Carbon Force Ceramic Coating for Long-Lasting Protection
- How to Apply Hydro Line Ceramic Coating for Instant Gloss and Protection
Happy detailing!
Frequent Questions about Prepping for Ceramic Coating
Should I prepare my car for a ceramic coating indoors or outdoors?
Applying your ceramic coating indoors is ideal to avoid dust, debris, and changing weather conditions. But if you need to do it outdoors, just make sure the area is clean and shaded.
What is a ceramic coating, and why is preparation important?
Ceramic coatings act as sealants to protect your car's surface. Proper prep is a major key to ensuring the coating bonds well, maximizing its durability and performance.
What if I skip this preparation process?
Skipping the prep work can cause poor adhesion, reduced durability, and less-than-great results. Plus, any imperfections might get sealed underneath, leading to long-term damage.
Is it okay to use household cleaners for prepping my car for a ceramic coating?
Nope! Never use household cleaning products like dish soap on your car. They can damage the paint and leave residues that mess with the ceramic coating.
How do I know when my car is ready for ceramic coating?
Follow the steps we discussed. The paint should feel smooth and be free of visible defects. After the final wipe, the surface should be clean and residue-free.
